Reviews

A stunning location on a beautiful island. The stay I had at The Captains Rest made my holiday. After a dip in the hot tub and then a sauna I had the best night sleep ever. To wake up to that view too, breathtaking. Thank you Vivienne and family for creating a beautiful home with all the extras, will definitely be back x

Just a quick note to say thank you for making our stay in Skye so enjoyable. The house was perfect and everything we needed was there. It's a wonderful house and the location is amazing. We loved gazing out at the views - both from the house and the hot tub. The information you provided in the Welcome Pack was great and very easy to use and follow - we used your itinerary suggestions a lot for days out and walks, etc. The boat trip with SeaSkye was excellent, and we also ordered a meal from Connor, which was delicious. Our journey back yesterday was long but smooth. Hope to come back and visit again some time - would be great to come again when things are back to normal! Thanks again and very best wishes,

We had the most wonderful week at the Captain's rest on Skye for our family holiday. Vivienne and Neil are lovely people and truly perfect hosts and the Captain's rest is a beautiful and comfortable house with lots of extras - the hot tub and the sauna in particular were the perfect way to wind down from a day of walking the incredible landscape on Skye. The views are incredible and we enjoyed sitting and watching the view. The house is fitted out in total luxury with everything you might need for your stay and lots of extras! It is obvious that the house has been furnished with so much care and attention, a true labour of love. Vivienne also left us lots of goodies in the kitchen for us and the kids. We were very well taken care of. The information they provide about the house and the area was really useful as its electronic so we could have a good read on our way up and we took many of the recommendations for things to do and places to eat. We will definitely be back.

Our family of four absolutely loved our time at Captain's Rest. The house is immaculate and the view incredible. We spent many hours enjoying the view and watching the weather change. Vivienne is a great host and thought of everything and a bit more. Thoroughly recommend staying here and good value for money in our opinion.

By far the best place we’ve ever stayed whilst self catering. The cottage is idyllic, perfectly designed, beautifully styled and the view is just WOW!! Everything within Captain’s Rest has been so well thought through, from the flask and picnic bag for days out, log burner all ready to be lit, ice ready in the freezer, books relating to Skye and kilted yoga ☺️, candles, cocktail maker, hot water bottles (sometimes needed in a Skye summer!), plenty of dishwasher tabs, loo roll, bin liners and laundry tabs (to mention just a few examples). All these things made our stay so easy. The welcome pack was amazing. Perfect for arriving after a super long journey. You needn’t require to go to the shop before arrival. The a long soak in the hot tub was just the ticket too! It felt very luxurious staying there and it was very difficult to leave 😂 Needless to say we’d already booked our return before we left!

We arrived at The Captains Rest after a long journey and were presented with the most beautiful holiday home nestled in an idyllic setting. The hosts had stocked the house with a range of provisions; lovely Skye pies, breakfast foods and all the basics, delicious Misty Isle Gin ( and ice on the freezer). The weather on our first night was fortunate we enjoyed wonderful views of a full moon whilst enjoying the prepared glow from the log burner. The information provided before our holiday was comprehensive and very helpful and appreciated, it made our stay stress free and relaxing. The views from the house made our holiday, especially in the morning s perfect way to start the day. We visited many of the recommended trips out and enjoyed eating at lovely restaurant's. The local shop in Dunvegan is well stocked and staff were very helpful. The hot tub and sauna was a perfect way to wind down, I have never slept so well ( it might have been the gin)😇. Vivienne and Neil have created an amazing home. The design and furnishings are truly deserving of a 5 star rating and we thank you for doing so. We have already booked for next year and look forward to another wonderful holiday in Skye. Gail & Joe Thomas

Not sure we can beat any of your other reviews they sum up everything we have to say too. Had a wonderful stay at Captains Rest, Vivienne was a superb host from initial contact up until we met her at the house. Her generosity with information, delightful goodies of food and bottle of bubbles was a beautiful way to start our week. To initially come over last wee bit to the wonderful views was just 💥mind💥 blowing. We missed seeing Danny MacAskill at Loch Coruisk but seeing a minky whale was a pretty good alternative. We love Skye and hopefully we will return again.

We thoroughly enjoyed time at Captain's Rest last week. Vivienne and Neil have done a fantastic job with the design, layout and furnishing of the house. Although the location is excellent for visiting all parts of Skye we did spend a lot of time just taking in the views overlooking the loch and the Cullins in the distance. The house was very well equipped and the welcome pack was great. We definitely would like to return in the future.

What an amazing place. The Captain's Rest was a well designed and thought out property. Vivienne and Neil have done an amazing job. The size of the property was huge and for only 2 of us there was ample space. The whole accommodation had everything we needed to have a relaxing week away from the stresses of work. The under floor heating was amazing and coupled with the log burner, we were never cold, even if it was outside. (when we arrived there were 70 mph winds for 2 days. Vivienne did a good job of standing up when greeting us). There was a very substantial welcome package waiting for us and all the basic condiments and utensils we needed. Views from the cottage were awesome, especially from the kitchen / dining area, bedroom and lounge. The sauna was a welcome addition, especially after taking long walks in the surrounding areas. The only down side was a fault that had occurred on the Hot tub which could not be repaired in time, so this meant we could not use it during our stay. That was disappointing as that was one of the reasons we chose this accommodation, but Vivienne and Neil were kind enough to compensate us for the inconvenience. Local facilities were readily accessible with small shops, bakers and fuel stations with supermarkets within easy driving distances. We were there for our anniversary so we indulged with a meal at The Three Chimneys, a Michelin star restaurant. Something we have never done before, but the experience was unforgettable, trying new food and ingenious ways of serving it. Highly recommended. There are lots of places to visit nearby, however as we went early Nov, a few attractions were closed for the winter (or Covid) so check before you go. This did not stop us from visiting some amazing places and everywhere you went there was always a breath taking view to be had. We are both frontline Key workers so this was just the tonic we needed to have a break from it all and spend some relaxing time away. If you want a holiday away from it all but with easy accessible walks, places to visit, shops and friendly locals, this is the place for you. You will not be disappointed. Thank you Vivienne and Neil for making us feel welcome and making our time at your cottage a pleasurable one.

We’ve returned recently from an exceptional stay at the Captain’s Rest where my wife and I travelled to for our elopement. We were blown away and cannot fault a single thing at this place. Our jaw’s dropped with the view as we drove onto the property, which we continued to enjoy throughout the duration of the stay with the floor to ceiling windows than span the length of the property. It really felt like luxury the moment we drove onto the premises. The entire place was furnished to such a high quality. Nothing beat being able lay in bed every morning and with the touch of a button roll up the blinds to bring all of the outdoors in. It was a lovely touch having the place full of local wares and produce. From local gin and fudge, to toiletries, it really felt like Vivienne was giving us a peek as to what all of Skye has to offer. On the topic of Vivienne, she is AMAZING. She honestly could not do more for us. We spoke to her at length before we arrived about our plans and was full of incredibly useful guidance, suggestions and advice. She made sure we had a thoroughly enjoyable yet safe stay during a difficult time. We were so appreciative of the kind gestures like milk, flowers, cocktails etc when arriving and how generally helpful and approachable she was during the stay. We found it really hard to leave and we’d already booked next years return before we’d even left.

Our stay at Captain's Rest was truly exceptional. The location is superb with views that make you question if there are better to be found on the island - and all without moving from the sofa! The house itself is beautifully finished, furnished and equipped. It was so comfortable and cosy. We only used the wood stove once, more for the pleasure than need. Of course, the sauna and hot tub add to the luxury. We thought the tub was excellent - and we've tried a few! Vivienne is a fantastic hostess and it was a pleasure to meet her. She provides so many lovely treats that you feel very spoiled and she is full of helpful information about the area. The house very much feels like a home that has had much love and care lavished upon it and we felt privileged to spend a little time there. It is a wonderful testament to the efforts of the family and we too have booked already to return, not that it was an easy thing to do! The news of the Captain's Rest is clearly out and it is understandably very popular. Thanks to all the Captain's Rest Crew for a wonderful time x

We stayed at Captain's Rest for our elopement. Good quality food and drinks had been provided for our arrival, which was great to see after the long journey. Everything about the property itself is excellent, with the spacious sauna and outdoor hot tub both used almost daily. Impossible to pick a favourite part of the property as everything is top notch! The owners are great, providing lots of information in an interactive guide, but were also happy to help with anything else. Vivienne was invaluable to us in navigating Covid restrictions and our elopement probably wouldn't have happened without her help. We would certainly love to stay here again! The photos of the views don't do it justice.

Thank you Vivienne and Neil for our honeymoon stay at Captain’s Rest, it was truly magical! Not only is your accommodation luxurious and cosy, it also has impeccable views come rain or shine and every amenity you could wish for. We can’t wait to come back!

Thank you Vivienne and Neil for a wonderful stay at Captain’s Rest. The house is simply stunning, very clean and everything had been thought off, including the welcoming hamper that was the best we’ve ever enjoyed. Such a magical location, we have already rebooked and are looking forward to our next holiday at Captain’s Rest!

We’d been looking forward to this for more than a year and The Captains Rest revealed itself to be a special place from the moment we arrived via the high road from Inverness. The ambience and views from this unique place are precious all on their own but so too is the accommodation and facilities that Neil and Vivienne have taken the greatest care over. Comfy beds , top draw kitchen for self catering and the welcome wine and food basket on our arrival was a lovely touch. The whole vibe is just lovely offering relaxation-max from the minute you rock up, with its restful but airy lounge to kick back in and read a book and with the ever present temptation to go for walk around the cove, jump in the hot tub or sauna. After being out exploring Skye we just loved coming back to the Captains Rest to chill every single night that we were on the island. This is not a place you “just stay in” It’ll stay with you and rest you all on its own.

We have just returned from a few days here. The photos I have taken absolutely don’t do this place justice. Everything from dealing and chatting with Viv before and our several attempts at getting here our visit and welcome was outstanding. The attention to detail is incredible, they have absolutely thought of everything. This cottage is done to the highest of standards. The amount of love and dedication Viv & Neil put into this is shown with their love for The Island itself. From SkyeSkyns to The Highland Soap Company, to Harris Tweed it was beautiful and tasteful. The hot tub & steam room helped for the cold October days. That view- is something else. Arriving at the driveway was something I’ll remember. The electric curtains and long windows that expose the front of the house is quite something. Pulling they blinds up is the only TV you’ll need during your stay. Playing games, listening to music on the Bose and chilling with a wine is all you need. The kitchen was to die for, every utensils you’ll need and so much more. It’s a chefs dream. The shower was a proper rainfall waterfall shower and that was exactly what we needed. The welcome pack was perfect after the long drive from Glasgow. We can’t wait to return and look forward to your other build- So glad Neil finished Captains rest it’s been a long few years, We’ve left a review in the guest book & urge people to book with you, they won’t regret it. Captains Rest is a total luxury break but worth it, Big love 💜💜

We were lucky enough to be guests at this amazing location over Hogmanay 2021 into 2022 and it has to be the nicest place we have ever stayed in the UK!! We live 11 miles south of Glasgow and took us roughly 6 hours to travel here, the drive up is just simply stunning.....passed Loch Lomond, through Glencoe and Fort William, across the Skye bridge I booked it roughly 18 months ago and I have had numerous communications with Vivienne over that period, nothing is too much bother for her, I had loads of questions and she has always been happy to help. When we drove over the drive and saw the view we were immediately silenced (even children in the back!) and it just got better and better as we entered the property, we opened the double doors into the living room and again the wow factor kicked in! No expense has been spared on the décor and build of this cottage, and having the Christmas tree also added to the cosy feel of the place. The sauna and hot tub went down a treat with the whole family, and the gorgeous robes provided came in handy when leaving the hot tub area and going into the cottage again. The welcome pack is very extensive - for us it was, mince pies, cheeseboard, Christmas pickle, salmon, butter, eggs, milk, flowers, tablet, mini gins and a bottle of Rose prosecco! Even the little details like a black flannel for make up removal...literally everything thought of! The showers have to be my favourite part, the waterfall options and the amazing Highland Company soaps left in each bathroom Having a sky box in every room was also very handy - for my children when they wanted to take some time out and watch there own TV programmes. On new years eve, we settled in for the bells and at midnight although the weather was horrendous rain we were treated to a gorgeous firework display across the water which lit up the sky above and reflections bounced off the water, we turned all the lights off and just had the glow from the log fire - absolute bliss and my 5 year olds highlight of the stay!! A truly magical stay we had and we cant wait to book again, although we will need to be quick as it appears to be pretty full for most of 2022 - and I can fully understand why

We had been planning our trip to Skye for a while and after spending a long time deliberating and looking at so many different properties, we are so glad we settled on Captains Rest. The house is even more beautiful than the pictures suggest and the view across the sea to the Cuillin's is just stunning. Vivienne is such a warm & wonderful host - every little detail and home comfort you can think of had been taken care of, right down to sheepskin covered hot water bottles and robes for the colder evenings. The welcome pack was one of the best I've seen in places of this standard and we were so impressed by everything. The restaurant recommendations we were given were perfect too, especially Loch Bay which was just perfect. The location is great for exploring the island and the house is the perfect place to relax if the weather isn't great outside. We ate out a couple of times but the huge kitchen is perfect for evenings in, with the dining area looking out across the bay. We especially enjoyed relaxing in the hot tub and sauna after a long day of hiking. We'd love to come back later in the year when Dunvegan is a little busier and the coffee shops and cafes extend their opening hours a little. Having a bbq on the terrace would be a perfect way to end the day! Thanks for everything Vivienne, we have already recommended you to our friends!

Completely endorse all the fantastic reviews to date of this superb cottage and delightful hosts…. best cottage we have ever experienced, excellent value for money and quite simply unmissable….a must if you want a wonderful holiday and break on Skye!

A wonderful place to stay with great views in a peaceful location. The property is beautifully furnished and has everything you would need. The hosts are so friendly and nothing seems too much trouble, great little extras and the app is so useful. We are really looking forward to a stay next year, thanks for a wonderful stay in a extraordinary island.

We had a fantastic stay at Captain’s Rest for our honeymoon. Everything in the property is such high quality and it it is so cosy and has everything you could possibly need. The view from the property is amazing, especially when the skies are clear. The sauna and hot tub make this place extra special. The log fire was great for us as we had some wet days where we stayed in by the fire. The food and Prosecco provided on arrival were a lovely surprise. Really hope we can visit again sometime in the future. Thank you Vivienne!

We have just returned home after a wonderful stay at Captain’s Rest. It lived up to all our expectations and more, a really special place .The view as you come into the house is incredible, and we will always remember the rainbow that appeared one evening, seen from the living room windows. The whole house is beautifully furnished with love and care, and every little detail thought of. The bed is very comfortable and we slept well. The hot tub and sauna was amazing, a luxurious touch which we enjoyed most days. We enjoyed exploring the island and trying out different restaurants, walking etc. Thank you Vivienne and family for a fantastic stay 😊😊

Our recent stay at Captain,s Rest exceeded all our expectations it really is a magical place . The croft has been thoughtfully converted, designed and furnished to a exceptional standard The views are incredible you find yourself mesmerised by the ever changing landscape and weather we had a fantastic Rainbow! Vivienne was the perfect hostess , very welcoming and informative . Personal touches like Flowers, wine and food hamper were very much appreciated We enjoyed exploring the island and sampling the local restaurants . We will remember our stay at The Captain's Rest and our time on Skye very fondly and hope to return someday Ian and Maxine

Just perfect in every way. Stunning house & stunning views. Happy place! Happy holidays! Happy family! Happy days! We will definitely be back to this idyllic place, Bonnie Scotland you never disappoint.

We had a marvellous stay at Captains Rest. The accommodation was extremely comfortable and the views were amazing. The house is very well thought out and easy to use. The location was perfect for us and we are looking forward to staying again.

The Captains Rest is a stunning place to stay with first class facilities and decor. The views from the main rooms and hot tub are to die for, no matter what the weather brings. We loved our stay and would definitely stay there again, great base for exploring the island.

The Captain's Rest is one of the best places you could possibly stay for a Romantic trip away. I took Lydia away to Skye to propose. We had a magical weekend with amazing weather (which can’t be guaranteed on Skye) but the Captain’s Rest played a big part of our special weekend. Absolutely stunning views of the Cullin Mountain Range. A great Sauna, hot tub and fantastic facilities. Couldn’t recommend it higher and we will definitely go back…

How can we put into words the power of serenity in this hidden gem. From the walk up to the front doors, right through every opening into each room. Our jaws dropped and eyes were swooned by the beauty of the scenery that surrounded us. Having the opportunity to elope here was a dream come true! Truly epic! Opening the first set of doors, Amazing! Then the second set of doors, Completely Breathtaking! We couldn’t imagine it could get better, we were wrong… opening the bedroom doors and windows, WOW!! Then we saw the sauna and hot tub… sheer romantic bliss!. We knew we had to come back soon! The level of care and detail everywhere, in the showers/bathroom, bedrooms, and in the kitchen, we felt like royalty. Did I mention the automatic blinds that open to a view that begs for a relaxing morning cup of coffee!. Or a dram, or two, in the evenings. We feel so blessed and humbled with V and her hospitality during our stay!. V you are an amazing host! And we can’t say thank you enough for all you did, going above and beyond! (The mini gin hand-outs arrived in perfect timing for our dinner announcement back home! 😉 We can’t wait to come back for an Anniversary stay! P.S. Getting married in Scotland will beat in our hearts forever alongside our memories of Captain’s Rest, as our stay there was truly soothing to our souls.

An absolutely stunning place in a beautiful location. This is our second time staying at the Captain's Rest, we liked it so much the first time we came back to get married here the second! With romantic views over the sea lochs and cliffs, and the incredible home away from home that Vivienne and her family have created, it was the perfect place. The extra touches go a long way and make for an incredibly relaxed stay, the perfect place to rest whilst exploring the beautiful island. I couldn't recommend Captain's Rest more.

Well what can I say about this truly magical place, where every inch you look, touch or even smell has been thought of. Me and my partner stayed here during the harshest winter the island had had in 30 years, even getting iced/snowed in for 2 days but this was no bother as you have absolute luxury at your finger tips from Harris tweed upholstery, award winning scents from candles in the local area, ultra modern kitchen complete with locally sourced welcome pack (bottle of champagne inc.), toe warming underfloor heating for them cold mornings before a day of hiking, massaging hot tub complete with full sized sauna, elegant electric blinds looking over the most beautiful landscape and gardens that are 100% private creating your own paradise of luxury and discovery. The location on the island is 1 in a million overlooking a tiny island that is walkable and adventure in itself, with rolling hills in the background, excellent entertaining areas that blend seemlessly into the surrounding landscape and because of its location it’s a brilliant place for bird watching and wildlife spotting. We could not recommend this place more, for couples honeymoons to family adventure holidays or even a secret luxury getaway for 1. Thankyou Vivienne x

My husband and I have just returned from a fabulous stay at the Captain’s Rest. Not only is the house absolutely beautiful, with every need and want met and even exceeded, the setting is postcard perfect. The Captain chose what has to be one of the best views in the Hebrides for his Croft, and Vivienne and her family are generous enough to share it with us all. Speaking of generosity, we arrived to the best welcome pack we have ever had in an holiday home, and very much appreciated the local cheese and smoked salmon, and fizz, which we had for brunch on Sunday morning. It’s clear that Vivienne really cares about her guests as much as she does her beautiful house and she couldn’t do enough for us without ever being obtrusive. Travelling with mobility problems always adds a layer of trepidation and she could not have been more helpful and reassuring both prior to our stay, and in asking if there was anything extra I might need. . We had an absolutely fantastic week, among some of the best restaurants and local bakery. We have already enquired about a return visit. It’s SO rare that you find such a special place, with attention to every detail, AND the levels of customer service Vivienne exemplifies. She really is a credit to hospitality. We can’t wait to come back and we’re only sad our lottery numbers didn’t come up whilst there, so we could make her and Neil an offer they couldn’t refuse to build us our own! Till next time, G&M

In diesem wunderbaren Haus stimmt einfach alles. Man geht hinein und hört nicht auf, hinter jeder Ecke "Oohh" und "Aaah" und "Wow" zu sagen. Wie Weihnachten: man betritt einen Raum, den jemand mit sehr viel Liebe, Geschmack und dem Willen, Freude und eine gute Zeit zu bereiten, vorbereitet hat - und fühlt sich reich beschenkt. Ausstrahlung, sehr hochwertige, ausgesuchte und geschmackvolle Ausstattung und Einrichtung, Leckereien im Kühlschrank, die Großzügigkeit der Räume (man hat echt Platz!), Farben, die wunderschöne Felle, Ausblicke, die mit "Meerblick" unterbewertet wären. Es ist ein vielschichtiges, sich ständig änderndes Landschaftsgemälde, das einem in Captain's Rest zu Füßen liegt - und das aus Schlafraum, Wohnraum und Küche wie auch aus dem Hot Tub. Halbinseln, Hügel, Gipfelketten, Wolken, Sonnenflecken, Regenbögen. Unfassbar schön. Und nachts bei Mondaufgang im Hot Tub zu sitzen, ist schon eine tolle Erfahrung. Captain's Rest ist bei egal welchem Wetter (und bei uns war es schlecht) ein ganz wunderbarer Ort, an dem man sich auf sehr unterschiedliche Weise entspannen kann und einfach die Zeit geniessen kann. Kamin an, aufs Fell gekuschelt, Blick nach draussen - toll. Vivienne hat den Hot Tub täglich betreut und sich auch in allem anderen sehr um uns gekümmert. Man spürt nicht nur am Haus selbst sondern auch im Kontakt mit ihr, wie wichtig es für sie ist, dass die Gäste sich wohlfühlen. DANKE!!!!

We had a wonderful week at Captains Rest. The property and the location is stunning - it is a great place to relax and wind down - the sauna and hot tub were perfect at the end of the day. There is so much attention to detail that Vivienne the host has ensured in order to create the perfect stay. What was particularly lovely was the generous welcome hamper to get you started for the first day. Additional touches like bathrobe and slippers were luxurious. What was most touching was how much Vivienne cared about you as guests and ensured everything was going smoothly. The location was perfect for exploring the beautiful island without being in a busy crowded area. Going into Dunvegan the nearby village to the bakery or the village shop was easy. Thanks for a great week.

Captain’s Rest is truly stunning and surpassed all expectations , so comfortable, well-appointed, spotlessly clean and welcoming. Everything was just perfect, thankyou Vivienne and Neil . We were fortunate to have booked two weeks which meant we could fully explore the island and also spend time relaxing, enjoying the sauna and hot tub and admiring the ever- changing views.. Highlights included a gloriously sunny evening with a picnic at Coral beach; the Misty Isle boat trip to Loch Coruisk , the Quiraing hike and the amazing black and white sand at Talisker beach . We made some incredible memories and are definitely leaving a little piece of our hearts in Skye until we return. Thanks again